Easter dangers for your cat

It's not just Easter treats that can be unhealthy for cats; plants and decorations pose dangers too. Our guide highlights what to be aware of.

Easter food

Easter food is often fatty and salty, meaning most of what's on the table isn't suitable for cats. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), causing pain and vomiting. Excessive salt can even be poisonous. If you have visitors over Easter, please remind them not to share human food with your cat.

Many Easter dishes contain onions. All types of onion contain allicin, which is dangerous for cats and can cause severe anaemia, leading to symptoms like fatigue, vomiting, and cramps.

As well as onions, leeks, and fatty, salty foods, there are a few other things to be mindful of this Easter.

Easter treats

What's Easter without chocolate eggs? Inside them, we find everything from chocolate to nuts – a delicacy for us, but a danger for our furry friends:

• Chocolate
  Chocolate contains theobromine, which is poisonous to cats. The darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine content and the more dangerous it is.

• Nuts
  Nuts can get lodged in the throat or gastrointestinal tract. Some nuts, such as bitter almonds and macadamia nuts, are toxic to many animals. It's also worth noting that nuts are often very salty, which can lead to salt poisoning.

• Sweets
  Sweets can contain xylitol, a sweetener found in many products, including chewing gum. Cats are very sensitive to xylitol, which triggers a surge in insulin, potentially causing a dangerous drop in blood sugar.

Instead, offer your cat treats or a chew specifically designed for them.

Easter decorations

Gift ribbons, feathered decorations, and baubles can tempt cats to play with and ingest them. If your cat swallows these items, they can become stuck in the throat or intestines, causing serious injury. It’s crucial to keep Easter decorations out of reach.

Easter flowers

Daffodils, tulips, and lilies are all toxic to cats. Please be mindful of where you place these plants in your home to ensure your pets can't access them.

Easter bouquets are often decorated with feathers and similar items, which can pique a curious cat's interest.

The daffodil bulb is particularly dangerous and can cause problems if eaten, but the rest of the flower can also lead to poisoning in cats.

Unfortunately, you can't always see what your little friend is up to. That's why it's important to monitor your pet's well-being – not just at Easter. If your cat becomes lethargic, starts to tremble, vomits, or shows any other change in their general condition, always consult your vet.